PRAYER

Straighten up, my soul.

Don’t try to please anyone alive.

Don’t make way for any group.

Don’t listen to sarcasm and hatred.

May you again burn with youthful madness.

Let your dream spread its rugged wings

so you won’t weigh the odds when taking off,

and every flight will be your final one.

May you possess an animal-like disposition —

never complain or lose heart.

Live patiently like a bird or fish

and spend every day as your best one.

May you pursue ancient wisdom,

love truth more than beauty,

stay the course no matter how rough.

Let life and work be one.

May you become your own monument.